Things to do

What to do in Sydney this May

As the weather cools, nightlife, comedy, art and great events are just heating up.

Summer Streets Stanley Photo Katherine Griffiths

Get your cheap ticket to Sydney Opera House

Inside/Out at Sydney Opera House
Inside/Out at Sydney Opera House

Experience an extraordinary line-up of musicians and dancers for just $10. This week-long event under the stars celebrates the Opera House’s 50th anniversary.

Monday 1 May to Sunday 7 May, 7pm to 9pm

Have a laugh at Sydney Comedy Festival

Sydney Comedy Festival Gala at Sydney Opera House
Sydney Comedy Festival Gala at Sydney Opera House

Sydney’s biggest annual comedy event is back. Get your tickets to see one of hundreds of hilarious comedians.

Until 21 May

See the complete works of Australian photographer Steve McCurry

Steve McCurry ICONS in Walsh Bay
Steve McCurry ICONS in Walsh Bay

Set against the backdrop of Sydney’s dazzling harbour foreshore, the ICONS exhibition immerses you in the photographic universe of Steve McCurry, through a journey that took him to some of the most beautiful and harrowing parts of the world. ICONS is a truly fascinating collection of images in which the human element is always the protagonist.

Every day

Explore the Juanita Nielsen Community Centre

Juanita Nielsen Community Centre open day
Juanita Nielsen Community Centre open day

The popular community centre in Woolloomooloo offers a jam-packed program of family friendly activities, games, live music, entertainment and free popcorn and hot dogs for its open day. Check out the state-of-the-art gym, exercise classes and affordable membership options.

Saturday 6 May from 10am to 1pm

Enjoy a day out with family and friends at Sydney Streets on Redfern Street

Sydney Streets on Redfern Street
Sydney Streets on Redfern Street

The outdoor fun comes to Redfern Street, with plenty of live music, entertainment and street-side dining. There’ll be painting classes, clothes swaps, DJs, food stalls and more.

Saturday 13 May from 11am to 10pm

Check out White Rabbit Gallery’s latest exhibition before it ends

Shuo Shu at The White Rabbit Gallery
Shuo Shu at The White Rabbit Gallery

The artists in Shuo Shu map the evolution of the story from timeless myths and literary romances to political propaganda and modern-day censorship.

Until Sunday 14 May

Celebrate the mums in your life for Mother’s Day

Mother's-Day at Ventuno, Walsh Bay
Mother's-Day at Ventuno, Walsh Bay

From high teas and buffets to lunches, cruises and more – see what’s happening in Sydney for Mother’s Day.

14 May

Shake a leg at Sydney Streets on Stanley Street

Sydney Streets on Stanley Street
Sydney Streets on Stanley Street

The popular Darlinghurst strip will come to life with some of the best food and drink our city has to offer. From La Farmacia to Harrys by Giuls, Flave to Bill and Toni’s – there’s so much good food on offer. Plus, DJs will fill the street with tunes from Stanley’s Bar, Verde Restaurant and the Lord Roberts Hotel.

Saturday 20 May from 11am to 10pm

Join Sydney's most sought-after dance fitness class

Dance cardio workout in the dark
Dance cardio workout in the dark

It’s time to dance in the dark. This 45-minute workout fuses boxing, twerking, toning and cardio, with a soundtrack featuring the best beats of the decade.

Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Visit Hyde Park Barracks’ annual art commission

Murmurations at Hyde Park Barracks
Murmurations at Hyde Park Barracks

This art installation brings together First Nations perspectives from Australia and the Pacific to explore the history of the UNESCO world heritage listed Hyde Park Barracks as a site of migration.

Every day, 9am to 5pm

Have an unforgettable live theatre experience

Metropolis at Hayes Theatre
Metropolis at Hayes Theatre

Little Eggs Collective has adapted one of the most influential science fiction tales of all time – Metropolis – into a live theatre performance, showing at Hayes Theatre.

Tuesdays to Saturdays, until Sunday 21 May

Hear contemporary stories from the queer community

Spineless Wonders presents Queer As Fiction
Spineless Wonders presents Queer As Fiction

Queer As Fiction is a collection of contemporary stories from the queer community. Hear these stories come to life at Green Square Library with Ce Benny.

Saturday 20 May from 2pm to 3pm

Hear new ideas at Sydney Writers’ Festival

Sam Neill: Did I Ever Tell You This? at Sydney Town Hall
Sam Neill: Did I Ever Tell You This? at Sydney Town Hall

Australia's largest celebration of literature, stories and ideas is back with more than 300 events across various Sydney venues.

Monday 22 May to Friday 28 May 2023

Spark your sense of wonder at Sydney Vivid Festival

Vivid Sydney Festival
Vivid Sydney Festival

The lights, music and ideas festival will spark the soul of our city with creative brilliance for 23 days and nights.

Friday 26 May to Saturday 17 June

Want more? Find the latest events in Sydney.

Published 26 April 2017, updated 2 May 2023